The proprietor of the city meat market and the pioneer butcher of Boise, where he has been in business since 1864, is George Gumbert, who is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having taken place in Pittsburg on June 11, 1835. Of German extraction, his ancestors were early settlers of Pennsylvania and his great grandfather,
Gumbert, fought in the colonial army during the Revolutionary war. His paternal grandfather was a farmer in Westmoreland County. His father, George Gumbert, was born in Pittsburg, where he followed the meat business nearly all his life, having attained the advanced age of ninety years. He was in politics first a Whig, later joining the Republican Party upon its organization. He married Miss Amelia Turner, who was born in Pennsylvania, and both of them were members of the Baptist church. They became the parents of nine children, of whom three sons and a daughter are now living.
George Gumbert, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Pittsburg and in 1850, when but fifteen years old, he crossed the plains to California, later removing to Nevada and engaging in the butcher business at Virginia City. He volunteered in the war against the Piutes, furnishing his own horse and complete outfit, and assisted in driving the Indians back to the reservation. In 1863 he came to Boise, which at that time consisted of a few canvas tents, and opened a meat market in a shanty, where he continued until 1876, and then returned to Virginia City, remaining there two years. Once more coming to Boise, he again started a meat market, which he has conducted ever since, and by his thoroughly reliable and honorable business methods has secured the good will and patronage of a large number of his fellow citizens. His market is located on Main Street, in the business part of the city, which is now handsomely built up and in a flourishing condition.
In his political affiliations Mr. Gumbert is a stanch Democrat, and, without any solicitation on his part, he was nominated by his party for one of the county commissioners. Such was his popularity that he ran far ahead of his ticket, and he is now serving his county in a business-like and efficient manner.
Mr. Gumbert was united in marriage in 1865 to Miss Mary C. Turner, a native of Kentucky, and one daughter was born to them. She is now Mrs. L. Pefley. Socially Mr. Gumbert is an active member of the uniformed rank of the Knights of Pythias, and holds the office of treasurer of his lodge.